Spaced RFID Tag Assembly Using Non-Conductive Foam Spacer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional RFID tags are unsuitable for harsh environments due to limited read ranges, vulnerability to physical damage, and reduced communication ability when near RF-absorbing mediums like the human body, which affects their operational characteristics and reliability in conditions such as adventure racing or swimming events.

Innovation Solution

An RFID tag assembly with a two-sided planar antenna and a non-conductive foam spacer is designed to maintain a minimum spaced distance from the body, allowing direct and indirect RF energy reception and processing, enhancing the tag's operating range and durability in harsh conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the RFID tag is placed close to the body or RF-absorbing medium, then the tag can be securely mounted, but the RF energy absorption increases and communication ability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication abilityVSAvoidRF energy absorption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A non-conductive spacer material is introduced between the RFID tag and the body/RF-absorbing medium. This intermediary element reduces direct contact and minimizes RF energy absorption by the body, thereby improving communication ability while allowing the tag to remain securely mounted near the body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful interaction between the RFID tag and the RF-absorbing medium is extracted by removing the direct contact interface. The spacer creates physical separation, extracting the tag from the harmful RF-absorbing environment while maintaining functional proximity for secure mounting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the RFID tag is used in harsh environments, then the tag can perform timing functions in various events, but the tag is vulnerable to physical damage and contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating environment capabilityVSAvoidsurvivability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The non-conductive spacer material serves as a protective cushion between the RFID tag and harsh environmental factors. It provides beforehand protection against physical shock, contamination from water or foreign materials, and other environmental damages before they can reach and damage the tag.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The spacer material acts as a flexible protective shell that shields the RFID tag from environmental hazards. This thin film-like structure provides protection against contamination and physical damage while maintaining the tag's functionality in harsh environments such as swimming, racing, or outdoor events.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of operation

If the RFID tag is mounted on or near vehicles or bodies, then the tag can be positioned for event timing, but the read range is limited due to RF absorption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetag positioningVSAvoidread range

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The non-conductive spacer acts as an intermediary that allows the tag to be positioned close to vehicles or bodies for ease of operation while simultaneously reducing RF absorption. This enables maintaining convenient mounting positions without sacrificing read range, as the spacer prevents the body or vehicle from absorbing RF energy that would otherwise limit communication distance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution extends the RFID tag's operating range and improves its durability, enabling reliable operation in harsh environments by minimizing RF energy absorption and physical damage, while maintaining effective communication with the tag reader.

Implementation Method 1

non-absorbing of a substantial amount of energy at the predetermined operating frequency... non-absorbing of a substantial amount of radio frequency energy at the predetermined operating frequency transmitted by a remotely positioned antenna

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRF energy absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS9286563B2Spaced apart extended range RFID tag assembly

Publication Date: 2016.03.15 INNOVATIVE TIMING SYSTEMS LLC

AI summary

An assembly and method of manufacture of a radio frequency identification (RFID) assembly having a passive RFID semiconductor chip and a two sided planar antenna and a spacer composed of a foam material that is non-absorbing of a substantial amount of energy at the predetermined operating frequency, the spacer being composed of non-conducting material having a predetermined thickness of between about 0.125 inches and about 0.5 inches and that is non-absorbing of a substantial amount of radio frequency energy at the predetermined operating frequency wherein the RFID tag assembly receives at a first side of the two sided planar antenna a first portion of the radio frequency energy as direct energy and receives at a second side of the planar antenna a second portion of the radio frequency energy as indirect energy responsive to the absorbing by the absorbing material body.